woman who survived The abortion attempt accused Senate Democrats of blocking legislation that would have protected children born alive under similar circumstances.
“The fact that Democrats continue to block this and vote against it sends that message loud and clear to people like me,” Abortion Survivors Network Founder Melissa Orden said on FOX News Digital told. “We are not being treated as human beings. We are being treated as pawns in their political chess game.”
Priscilla Hurley, another abortion survivor who previously worked in the abortion industry, told Fox News Digital that she was disappointed but not surprised that Democrats rejected the bill.
“Under the 'Born Alive' bill, doctors who perform late-term abortions will no longer be able to get away with performing late-term abortions if the baby is born alive,” Hurley said. “They have to provide care, and when they don't provide care, people have to report it. There's an element of accountability that typically isn't there in the abortion industry. It's no surprise that people who are in bed are in bed with the abortion industry.'' Vote their way. ”
Melissa Auden, founder and CEO of Abortion Survivors Network, speaks during a press conference on the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act at the Capitol on January 23, 2025 in Washington, DC. The House-passed law would require doctors to provide life-saving medical care to infants born after unsuccessful abortions. (Getty Images)
Abortion survivor details 'trauma' experienced: 'You're cutting off generations of people'
Senate Democrats blocked floor consideration of the Abortion Survivors Protection Act on Wednesday. The measure would require health care workers to save the lives of babies born from attempted abortions and ensure they are admitted to hospital.
Infants who survive attempted abortions already have equal protections under federal law passed in 2002. However, according to the pro-life organization Charles Rozier Institute, federal law “contains no requirement that abortion survivors be provided with appropriate care or transported to a hospital,” in violation of the law. There is no compulsion. ”
Under the “Born Alive” bill, health care workers who fail to provide the necessary degree of care to a child who survives an abortion, or who fail to report the lack of care provided, will face penalties ranging from fines to criminal penalties. be subject to punishment. The maximum penalty is five years in prison.
Democrats say the bill is redundant given existing laws prohibiting infanticide and murder, unfairly penalizes doctors and endangers the lives of women seeking late-term abortions for medical emergencies. It is claimed that there is a possibility of exposure.
Abortion rights activists gather at the Washington Monument before marching to the U.S. Supreme Court on May 14, 2022, in Washington. (Jose Luis Magana/AFP via Getty Images)
Abortion survivors oppose this, arguing that these protections are a human rights issue and should not be politicized.
Oden survived after an unsuccessful attempt saline injection abortion In 1977, he supported the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which Republicans had proposed over the past decade. The bill has been repeatedly blocked by Democrats in previous Congresses.
she was tired of something social media posts Sen. Chuck Schumer (D.N.Y.) this week criticized Republican claims about the bill, saying, “That's not true.”
“Doctors are already required by law to provide appropriate medical care. Republicans are trying to get between women and doctors,” Schumer posted on X, along with a video criticizing the bill.
Auden said she felt Schumer and others' comments were “disrespectful” and “dehumanizing” to people who have survived abortions.
“It's clear they want us to be silent. They want us to feel ashamed and isolated,” she said.
Sen. Schumer posted a video on social media explaining his opposition to the “Born Alive” bill, criticizing Republican claims about protecting babies born alive after an abortion, saying “that's not true.” (Getty Images)
Abortion survivors call Democratic Party's collective opposition to Born Alive bill 'traumatizing and disgusting'
Hurley added: “I just hope that their eyes will be opened to the truth.”
“Honestly, I don't think they're taking the time to talk to people and listen to the facts because all they do is protect doctors. They call it women's medicine, but… It has nothing to do with it,' it has to do with human rights,'' she continued.
Auden believes there is not enough awareness about abortion survivors. Her group, the Abortion Survivors Network, has more than 900 members, and she personally believes that with today's prevalence of chemical abortions, the actual number of abortion survivors is much higher. she pointed recent research The Journal of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists found that 11% of second-trimester abortions resulted in a live birth.
Both abortion survivors called the measure “common sense legislation” that would ensure that babies who survive an abortion receive the same level of medical care as other babies born in that pregnancy.
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On Thursday, House Republicans passed their own version of the Born Alive bill. All but one Democratic senator voted against the bill.
Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Missouri), a co-sponsor of the bill, celebrated the bill's passage.
“This should not be a controversial issue, but rest assured that we will continue to fight in Congress to ensure that every baby, born and unborn, is treated like the miracle of life as we know it.” Please,” she said. statement.
”“This is a moral issue, not a partisan issue,” said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana). “With this bill, House Republicans will stand up for the most vulnerable Americans. , protecting the sanctity of life.” It is shameful that Senate Democrats voted en masse to block consideration of this life-saving bill. ”
Senator Schumer's office did not respond to a request for comment.
Fox News' Alex Nitzberg and Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.
